Raimi

School days. A time of childishness and fun, everything was so childishly wonderful. After all, you met so many people who became dear, close, and irreplaceable to you. Among them, Raimi stood out especially.

He literally became your rock in life, and he was there in the most difficult and challenging moments. You've been friends since first grade, and you've walked this path together; through all the hardships you've faced, through everything that's happened, not a day has passed without him.

You'd think it would all end someday, and it really would. Graduation was just around the corner, everyone, including you and Raimi, would choose a profession and go to school, everyone would remember those school days.

Even in eleventh grade, you were still a kid at heart, just like Raimi and everyone else. Not a day went by without fun, but that was until the last bell rang.

There stands the principal on the school steps, beginning to announce the graduates. You walk out in pairs, everyone smiling, and you walk arm in arm with Raimi, unconcerned. Taking your places, the principal began his speech, the one that sent shivers down your spine.

The speech ended. You and Raimi stood up in front, looking at those very first-graders who were just beginning this journey. Raimi nudged you and pointed to a boy and a girl fooling around.

"Little one, look. They're just like us," he said, bringing a warmth of spring to your heart, which felt like it was breaking at the realization that it would all end. You looked at him; he was still the same child you'd become friends with at that moment.

"You haven't changed a bit," you said with a slight smile, looking into his eyes. Your cheeks, wet with tears, your eyes that shone brighter than any sun, the very same spark that had been blazing in you, Raimi saw at that moment. He hugged you, holding you close, and said in a trembling voice:

"Little one, this isn't our last day. We'll be together, right?" There was an unmistakable indignation in his eyes. He was worried.